Help Protect Against Identity Theft
Your Identity Is One Of Your Most Valuable Assets
Identity theft can happen to anyone. Criminals are constantly looking for ways to steal personal information through phishing emails, fake websites, data breaches, stolen mail, and even social media. The good news? A few simple habits can go a long way toward protecting your identity and your financial accounts.
Whether you’re looking to prevent identity theft or recover from it, this resource is here to help.
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.
Information criminals may try to steal includes:
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license number
- Debit or credit card information
- Online banking credentials
- Passwords
- Email addresses
- Medical insurance information
- Birth date and personal identifying information
Once stolen, your information may be used to:
- Open new credit accounts
- Make unauthorized purchases
- File fraudulent tax returns
- Apply for loans
- Access your financial accounts
- Commit crimes using your identity
Warning Signs of Identity Theft
Identity theft isn’t always obvious. Watch for these warning signs:
- Transactions you don’t recognize
- Bills or collection notices for accounts you didn’t open
- Credit inquiries you didn’t authorize
- Missing mail or unexpected change-of-address notices
- Notifications that your online passwords have changed
- Unexpected login alerts
- Medical bills for services you never received
- Your tax return is rejected because one has already been filed
If something doesn’t look right, trust your instincts and investigate quickly.
How Criminals Steal Your Information
Understanding how identity theft happens is the first step toward preventing it.
Phishing Emails
Fraudulent emails designed to trick you into clicking links or providing personal information.
Smishing Text Messages
Text messages pretending to be your financial institution, delivery company, or government agency.
Phone Scams
Criminals impersonate trusted organizations and pressure victims into sharing personal information.
Data Breaches
Companies occasionally experience security breaches that expose customer information.
Mail Theft
Stolen mail can provide access to financial statements, checks, and personal information.
Public Wi-Fi
Unsecured wireless networks may allow criminals to intercept sensitive information.
Social Media
Oversharing birthdays, addresses, vacations, schools, or family information can make it easier for criminals to impersonate you.
How to Protect Your Identity
Protecting yourself doesn’t have to be complicated.
- Monitor Your Accounts Regularly. Review your checking, savings, and credit card transactions frequently. The sooner suspicious activity is detected, the faster it can be addressed.
- Check Your Credit Reports. Review your credit reports regularly for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries. You’re entitled to free credit reports from each major credit bureau.
- Consider a Credit Freeze. A credit freeze helps prevent criminals from opening new accounts in your name by restricting access to your credit file.
- Protect Your Social Security Number. Only provide your Social Security number when absolutely necessary. Be cautious if someone asks for it unexpectedly.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords. Create different passwords for each account and consider using a password manager to keep them secure.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication. Whenever available, use multi-factor authentication to add another layer of protection to your accounts.
- Shred Sensitive Documents. Dispose of bank statements, credit card offers, and documents containing personal information securely.
- Be Careful What You Share Online. Avoid posting information that could help criminals answer security questions or guess passwords.
What To Do If Your Identity Has Been Stolen
If you believe your identity has been compromised, acting quickly can help minimize the damage.
- Step 1. Contact COPFCU immediately if you believe your accounts have been affected.
- Step 2. Change passwords for your financial accounts, email, and any other important online accounts.
- Step 3. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit reporting agencies.
- Step 4. Report the identity theft through IdentityTheft.gov and follow the personalized recovery plan.
- Step 5. Continue monitoring your financial accounts and credit reports for suspicious activity.
Helpful Resources
Identity theft prevention is a shared responsibility. These trusted resources can help you protect yourself and recover if your information is compromised.
- AnnualCreditReport.com — Obtain free credit reports from each major credit bureau.
- IdentityTheft.gov — Report identity theft and receive a personalized recovery plan.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — Learn about current scams and consumer protection.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — Report internet-related crimes and fraud.
COPFCU Member Benefit
Secure Checking IDProtect®
Identity theft monitoring, credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, fully managed identity restoration, and more — are all included with a COPFCU Secure Checking account.